Ellis active at Karaka

Te Akau principal David Ellis was once again prominent at Karaka, going to $80,000 to secure Lot 77, a son of first-season sire Vadamos, at New Zealand Bloodstock’s May Sale on Friday.

Ellis believes Vadamos, who stands at Rich Hill Stud near Matamata, has a bright future ahead of him.

“I think Vadamos is a very good chance at stud and just the sort of stallion that New Zealand is desperate for,” Ellis said.

“I can see him leaving some really good stayers in the years to come.”

Ellis, who purchased the colt for a new client of Te Akau’s, was pleased with his purchase and said he struck him as a Derby type of horse.

“I bought this horse for a first-time Te Akau owner and I bought him to win the Derby,” he said.

“He’s very, very athletic and has lovely balance. He’s obviously got a good constitution and is a good looking colt. He’s just a magnificent individual.”

Rich Hill Stud principal John Thompson was delighted with the result, which he said exceeded his expectations.

“A lot of people told us he was a stand-out colt,” he said. “I expected him to sell well and that was a bit above, so it was great and he’s gone to a leading stable, you couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Meanwhile, earlier in the day Byerley Park trainer Jenna Mahoney secured her pick of the sale when purchasing lot the Kermadec colt out of More Than Ready mare Oxana, for $52,500.

“I liked him a lot,” Mahoney said. “I had a look at him yesterday (Thursday) and he was the pick of the sale from what I saw.

“I just like his sire and thought he was a nice, correct type and he was a sound looking horse.

“I thought he was a good buy at that ($52,500), you wouldn’t get him at the yearling sales for that sort of money.”

Mahoney purchased the colt for an overseas client and that is where his future lies if he develops into a promising horse.

“He was bought for an overseas client of mine. He will race overseas if he is any good,” Mahoney said.